Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi sent a message of condolence to the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad Al-Maliki mourning the death of Saeb Erekat, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

“I was deeply saddened after hearing the news of the death of Saeb Erekat. Our deepest condolences to the grieving family, the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people,” Motegi said in his message that was issued officially by the foreign ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday.

“Erekat participated in negotiations with Israel for many years to solve the issue of peace in the Middle East and made significant contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East,” Motegi said.

Regarding Japan as well, he visited Japan as the head of the Palestinian delegation to attend the quartet talks at the ministerial level for the launching of the “Corridor of Peace and Prosperity” initiative, and he played a role as a bridge between Japan and the Middle East region.

“I would like to express my respect once again,” Motegi said.

The Japanese foreign minister pledged that Japan will continue to make efforts toward the realization of peace in the Middle East and will spare no effort to provide the support that Palestine needs.

Concluding his message, Motegi said, in respecting the memory of Erekat, I would like to express, on behalf of the government and people of Japan, my sincere prayers so that Erekat’s spirit may rest in peace.